Retired Kentucky Wesleyan College professor and sculptor William “Bill” Kolok is preparing to host an open house at his Owensboro studio at 2901 Veach Road. Kolok’s specializes in abstract works with wood and stone and will offer stone carving demonstrations.
The open houses will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1-3.
“I want people to see what I do,” Kolok said. “If they like it and want to buy it, that’s fine. If they don’t, that’s fine too.”
Kolok, who taught for 40 years before retiring a decade ago, has embraced the freedom of no longer having a teaching schedule. He said his productivity has increased from creating about eight or nine pieces a year to around 25.
“I gave up workshops, lectures, all that stuff. I’m just an artist now,” he said. “That was my goal when I was a kid.”
Kolok will offer snacks and refreshments for visitors, who can spend a few minutes to a few hours exploring his work. His studio is an older home on Veach that he remodeled himself, offering a unique setting for the event. He added a workshop in the back.
Kolok’s pieces blend abstract storytelling with a combination of wood and stone materials. He said the abstract nature of his work invites viewers to bring their own interpretations to each piece.
“I’d rather them play with it and work with it and see what they can come up with,” Kolok said regarding visitors interacting with the art. “It may not be what I intended, but that’s fine.”
Kolok describes himself as a “storyteller in an abstract sort of way” and says his pieces reflect a connection between materials and ideas. One of his newest works, “Henhouse,” for example, is inspired by a chicken that wandered into his studio and now lives there. Aside from offering company, he said the chicken often offers artistic influence.
Kolok’s work is featured throughout the Owensboro community, including pieces at Owensboro Health and the Museum of Fine Art. He often uses found materials, like stones from a burned-down church or scrap wood from local furniture makers, to add layers of history and meaning to his sculptures.
Kolok said he’s eager to host the open house, especially the stone-carving demonstration.
“A lot of people don’t understand how stone carving works, so I’ll have my tools set up outside and can show them how I carve stone,” he said.
Despite spending much of his time working in isolation, Kolok said he’s energized by sharing his work with the public.
“I want people in town to know what I do,” he said. “And if they want to come in and talk, I’m happy to sit down and chat.”
The open houses are free and open to the public.
